Despite a 34-21 loss to Kinston High School on Friday, McKenzie School head coach Miles Brown was able to find the silver lining.

Brown said his team has been working on playing four complete quarters in one game, and he believed his team did that on Friday.

“The biggest thing is I’m just proud of the way our kids played,” Brown said. “We played a lot of young kids tonight and they busted their hump and did exactly what was asked them.”

Brown said the younger players were forced into action due to illness and injuries.

Even with the more experienced players on the sideline, the Tigers were able to stake claim to an early lead.

“We came out in the first half and had several big plays and got up 21-14 on them,” Brown said.

However, costly penalties kept McKenzie from coming out with a victory after two touchdowns were called back in the night enabling Kinston to take the lead. It’s the third straight loss for the Tigers.

McKenzie (2-4, 2-2 Class 1A, Region 2) will face off against Brantley High School at home on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.